Issue - meetings

Councillor Sarah Warren, Cabinet Member for Climate Emergency and Sustainable Travel, introduced the item and gave a presentation which covered the following:

·  What is this Strategy?

·  Why have we created this Strategy?

·  How have we developed this Strategy

·  Keynsham and Saltford, summary of possible improvements

·  Somer Valley, summary of possible improvements

·  Hicks Gate, summary of possible interventions

·  Whitchurch Village, summary of possible improvements

·  What are the next steps of this Strategy?

Panel members made the following points and asked the following questions:

Councillor MacFie asked about car parks in Keynsham in light of extra homes and shoppers. The Cabinet Member stated that the information was supported by data and that car parking is under review. She added that nothing would be happening immediately.

Councillor MacFie thanked the Cabinet Member for visiting the Keynsham area and showing possible routes. He stated that he was keen to see facility for bikes on the bypass in the area.

Councillor MacFie asked about planned housing developments at Hicks Gate and the links with Bristol. He stated that it would be helpful to know the numbers for the consultation response. The Cabinet Member for Built Environment, Housing and Sustainable Development, Councillor Matt McCabe explained that any allocated housing will be consulted on. He explained that Bristol City Council are keen to move the Park and Ride at Brislington in order to develop the site for housing. He stated that is it not clear yet where the housing would be but would probably be on both sides of the boundary.

Councillor Johnson asked about mobility hubs, especially with regard to delivery hubs around the CAZ (Clean Air Zone). The Cabinet Member (Councillor Warren) explained that some mobility hubs are on the programme of work with WECA (West of England Combined Authority). She explained that hubs would be different depending on location, some town centre hubs may include a bus stop and bike parking and some in rural locations may include parking.

Responding to a question from Councillor Johnson about a train station in Saltford, the Cabinet Member stated that this is a question for WECA.

Councillor Wait stated that he welcomed a cycle path along the bypass in Keynsham to give a cycle and walking route into town.

Councillor Wait stated that he supported the pedestrianisation of Keynsham High Street and continuous cycle path from Bath to Bristol. The Cabinet Member stated that she would continue to put the case to WECA.

The Chair thanked the Cabinet Members.